Local Elevated Risk Area Identified for Lyme disease

Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health has identified the Pinery Provincial Park and 20 km surrounding area including Pork Franks as a high-risk area for Lyme disease due to the increased blacklegged tick population and the number of ticks positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Lambton Public Heath has been using active surveillance techniques to identify risk areas.

If bitten by an identified blacklegged tick from this high-risk area, and it has been attached and feeding for more than 24 hours, it is recommended that you consult a health care provider.

Public Health Ontario’s Lyme disease page has a map of Ontario’s Lyme disease estimated risk areas for 2022 that shows areas in Ontario where they estimate you are more likely to find blacklegged ticks.

Even if you have not or do not plan to go to areas of elevated risk for Lyme disease, it is important to still take precautions. While the probability is low, it is possible to find an infected tick almost anywhere in Ontario.

Lyme disease is spread to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Not all blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease and not everyone who is bitten by an infected tick will develop signs and symptoms of Lyme disease.

Always do a tick check when you return from outdoor activities, regardless of location. Even if you have not visited an area of elevated risk it is good practice to perform a full-body tick check of yourself and loved ones.

• Do a tick check (find ticks early) and safely remove any tick. Video resource: Tick Prevention, Checks and Safe Removal
• Submit a photo of the tick for identification through the online form on our website or etick.ca
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. The most common symptom is an expanding skin rash that can appear between three to 30 days after a tick bite.
• Consult a health care provider if symptoms develop after being bitten by a tick. Lyme disease can be serious and have lasting effects. Early detection and administration of prophylaxis can prevent serious effects. In most cases, the effects of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics when treated in a timely manner.

Tick submissions are used to assist in tick surveillance in Lambton County and should not be used for treatment considerations. If you are experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease, or have been bitten by a blacklegged tick from our designated high risk area, consult a health care provider.

Protect yourself against tick bites. Besides routine tick checks after outdoor activities, you can protect yourself against tick bites by:

• Covering up with long, light coloured tops and pants as well as closed-toe shoes
• Use insect repellent with DEET or icaridin
• Stick to marked trails and avoid densely wooded areas or areas with high grass

Ticks live in wooded areas and fields and attach themselves to a person or animal that brushes against plants, bushes or tall grass. Once attached, ticks feed on blood; most people never feel the bite. Ticks are most active in spring and summer but can be found at any time of the year when the temperature is above freezing.

Stay up to date on all the latest information on having a safe and fun outdoor season in Lambton County. You can learn more about ticks and other vector-borne diseases on our website and by visiting ontario.ca/lyme.

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